The Future of Consumerist

Over the last twelve years, Consumerist has been a steadfast proponent and voice on behalf of consumers, from exposing shady practices by secretive cable companies to pushing for action against dodgy payday lenders. Now, we’re joining forces with Consumer Reports, our parent organization, to cultivate the next generation of consumer advocacy.

Stay tuned as Consumerist’s current and future content finds its home as a part of the Consumer Reports brand. In the meantime, you can access existing Consumerist content below, and we encourage you to visit Consumer Reports to read the latest consumer news.

Yes, it needs to be said because flight attendants are worried that some people don’t know not to watch porn while flying next to strangers. American Airlines flight attendants even want porn sites blocked on flights offering WiFi access.

The “vast majority” of travelers use good judgment in what they look at, said Tim Smith, a spokesman for Fort Worth, Texas-based American. ‘Customers viewing inappropriate material on board a flight is not a new scenario for our crews, who have always managed this issue with great success.’

[…]

American’s attendants don’t want to become “moral policemen,” said Frank Bastien, a spokesman at the union’s headquarters. Attendants also don’t want to be exposed to laptop images of violence or pornography, he said.

“It’s a real concern to our members,” Bastien said. American “put on filters that will prevent people from making Wi-Fi phone calls, and they don’t seem to have any qualms about doing that. Where’s the protection for other things out there?”

Ars Technica correctly points out that passengers have always been able to smuggle aboard promotional materials for the Mile High Club, mostly without incident.

What’s worse: sitting next to a guy watching porn, or sitting next to a guy yabbering away on Skype?